Is anxiety that common in children?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in children with average prevalence rates of around 10% of children in primary school. It’s also alarming to think that almost 29% of children are likely to develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.

Sadly, the majority of children with anxiety disorders don’t receive appropriate intervention – up to 80% of children in need of mental health services just don’t receive it. That means many children presenting with anxiety suffer for years before getting help. Did you know the average delay between symptom onset and consultation with a mental health professional ranges from around 6 – 14 years?

“Childhood anxiety may fail to be recognised because many anxious children present as shy, cooperative or compliant within the school setting.”

The high prevalence and negative consequences of excessive anxiety highlight the need for effective prevention programs. Early anxiety preventative interventions have the potential to reduce rates of depression. How? Well, anxiety and depression frequently co-occur.

The FRIENDS Programs are acknowledged and recommended by The World Health Organisation as an effective treatment and prevention program for child anxiety. Visit www.resiliencekit.com.au to find out more.

Stats have been obtained from published research articles contained in: